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Average Firefighters Salary in Tennessee

Firefighters in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $49,810, which is notably higher than the national average of $43,380. This elevated pay scale can be attributed to a combination of factors specific to the state's economic landscape and the demands of the profession within its communities.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $49,810 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,300.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,510 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 0.92, Tennessee presents a stable job market for this critical profession. While the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer number of professionals indicates consistent demand and a well-established career path within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$49,810

The average Firefighters in Tennessee earns+14.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24

Weekly

$958

Monthly

$4,151

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Tennessee

Career progression for firefighters in Tennessee significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies substantial opportunities for advancement and increased remuneration.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$32,480$15.6
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$37,358$18
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$47,300$22.7
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$62,263$29.9
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$71,300$34.3

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$49,810

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$55,100

Adjusted for COL (90.4)

The average firefighter salary of $49,810 in Tennessee offers a strong purchasing power, especially when compared to the state's Cost of Living Index of 90.4. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the nominal salary translates to a higher real income, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle and greater financial flexibility for residents.

Job Market Context

6,510

Total Jobs

1.989

Per 1K Jobs

0.92

Location Quotient

Below Average

Tennessee has 0.92x the national average concentration of Firefighters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.92 suggests that the concentration of firefighters in Tennessee is nearly on par with the national average. This indicates a balanced job market where the demand for firefighters is consistent with the overall employment landscape, making it neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce for those seeking employment in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Firefighters Salary$48,590↓ 2%29 mi
Clarksville, TN-KY Firefighters Salary$48,420↓ 3%67 mi
Huntsville, AL Firefighters Salary$50,840↑ 2%73 mi
Decatur, AL Firefighters Salary$46,660↓ 6%83 mi
Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Firefighters Salary$45,570↓ 9%84 mi

Comparing salaries near Tennessee

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Tennessee is $49,810. This typically ranges from $32,480 for entry-level positions to $71,300 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 14.8% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Tennessee offers a lucrative environment for firefighters.Firefighters in Tennessee earn above the national average salary, and the state's lower cost of living further enhances their purchasing power.

Is Tennessee a good place to live for Firefighters?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Tennessee?

Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($48,590) and Clarksville, TN-KY.

How does the number of firefighters in Tennessee compare nationally?

Tennessee employs approximately 6,510 firefighters, with a job concentration (Location Quotient) of 0.92, indicating a presence very close to the national average.

What is the average salary for a firefighter in Tennessee?

The average annual salary for a firefighter in Tennessee is $49,810, which is higher than the national average.

How does the cost of living in Tennessee affect a firefighter's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4, Tennessee is more affordable than the national average, meaning the $49,810 salary provides greater purchasing power.

Are there many job opportunities for firefighters in Tennessee?

The state has a substantial workforce of 6,510 firefighters, and the job concentration is close to the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for the role.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,510 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 1.989 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Tennessee